Family Guy

I've been looking at the stats (for the high schools, not the middle schools, but we can guess they have similar characteristics). I didn't find huge discrepancies in test scores and such within our district. Between Tosa and Elm-Brook is another story.

But I found two differences that I bet are statistically significant: percent of students receiving free or reduced lunch (12% West, 7% East) and percentage of nonwhite students (17 vs 12).

I am so not going to touch the second finding.

However, the question is whether the advanced algebra difference has any relationship to those stats. They could mean nothing or so many things. Is there a lower percentage of qualified kids on the West side owing to SES disadvantage? Is there district bias (probably unrecognized)causing more resources to go to the school that is already more economically advantaged?

My guess, a little of both.

Since kids in both Tosa schools do a little bit, but not much, better than average on math tests (and other indicators), I think the bigger question is why aren't we aggressively moving toward better math (and other) education.

Is it because we are happy being average and think that's good enough for our kids? Nothing wrong with that. But it's good to remember that there's a correlation between what you put in and what you get out. . .

I just may have shed a few tears Saturday as a bunch of lovely young women (and a few men) in green robes

Christine, why do you say you will not touch the second finding?  That is the reality of it all.  You and the rest of the lefties refuse to admit when the stats show things you are just to afraid to admit.